Further talks are planned before Christmas when more details will be ironed out in the new financial scheme.

Council leader Jim Fletcher said: "We are very grateful to John Swinney for taking time out of a busy schedule to meet us.

"I was pleased that he welcomes our response to the consultation on the futures trust and we look forward very much to progressing matters and working with the Scottish government on taking the trust forward in East Renfrewshire to allow us to deliver on local projects."

These have been mooted as new school buildings in Barrhead and Eastwood — subjects which have seen campaigns from Labour and Conservative politicians.

Jackson Carlaw MSP and councillor Charlie Gilbert also met the cabinet secretary and said: "Until now plans for new buildings for Eastwood and Barrhead high schools were in a state of limbo because of uncertainty over funding.

"Eastwood and Barrhead high are both outstanding schools stuck in obsolete buildings.

"We are therefore delighted to have met the finance secretary to outline the pressing case for new facilities at both schools and reaffirm the council's willingness to participate in a Scottish futures trust pilot to build them.

"We are pleased to report that Mr Swinney was enthusiastic and are optimistic of early progress as a result."

But Labour MP Jim Murphy slammed the talks and urged action.
He said: "They need to get on with it. The SNP government has been in power for over a year and not a single brick has been ordered for the new school.

"The time for talking is running out. We want a new school, not more warm words.

"This is a real blow to families, but our campaign continues. I would urge all local parents to sign the petitions. I am determined that we will get the new schools."

Hundreds of people have signed the petition launched by Mr Murphy and MSP Ken Macintosh.


Politicians Jackson Carlaw and Charlie Gilbert outside Eastwood high which may be the subject of one of the changes planned for the region.